Driving long routes in KSA: Tips, advice & preparations
If driving long routes in Saudi Arabia sounds intimidating to you, don’t worry. You only need to prepare with these tips and tricks to make your trip smoother, more comfortable, and stress-free. And here’s an insider tip from us: A long drive is much easier when you know your car insurance includes roadside assistance.
How and what to prepare before a long route drive in Saudi Arabia
1. Check and service your car
Here’s what to check before a long road trip:
- Engine oil
- Radiator coolant
- Windshield wipers and washer fluid
- Air conditioning system
- Battery condition
- Tire pressure, including the spare tire
- Suspension system
To protect your car’s paint from road debris, sand, and dust, consider applying a nano-ceramic coating or temporary paint protection film to the front bumper, fenders, and side mirrors before your trip.
2. Pack the right things for your road trip
Here’s what to keep in your car, if you’re planning a long drive in Saudi Arabia:
- A complete tire-changing kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit
- Light snacks and drinks
- Portable phone charger, power bank
- Offline maps downloaded on Google Maps or use OsmAnd app
3. Know the (unwritten) rules of the road
- Travel during the day. Heading out right after dawn is the absolute best time to beat the heat.
- Don’t let your fuel tank drop below 1/4 (or 1/2 tank if you have a small car).
- Use cruise control, so you don’t have to worry about your foot getting tired or Saher camera.
- Take regular breaks.
- Driving in turns,
- Use the left lane only for overtaking.
- Don’t go too slow. Driving below the speed limit is just as dangerous as speeding.
- On two-way roads, watch out for cars coming from the other side. Some drivers will try to pass trucks blindly into your lane.
- Keep track of the last exit, town, or major road sign you passed. This can help emergency services locate you more quickly if needed.
4. Prepare for emergencies before you leave
A. Share Your Location
Before you start your journey, share your live location with family or friends through WhatsApp, Apple’s Find My app, or Messages.
B. Save Important Emergency Numbers
| Emergency Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Highway Security (Road Security) | 996 |
| Unified Emergency Number | 911 |
| Ambulance | 997 |
| Najm (Insured Vehicle Accidents) | 920000560 |
C. Check if your car insurance offers help
A lot of people don’t realize their insurance policy includes free towing, flat tire changes, battery jumps, or emergency fuel delivery. It’s 100% worth checking your car insurance details for “roadside assistance” or “vehicle towing” before a trip. You might already be paying for these services without knowing it!
Find the cheapest car insurance with roadside assistance in KSA
If you want to compare car insurance prices and find the cheapest car insurance that actually includes roadside assistance, just use wakeel.
You put in your details, get different offers from the best car insurance companies in Saudi Arabia, and buy directly.
Planning a road trip across the border?
If you’re driving outside Saudi (like to Qatar, UAE or Bahrain):
- Make sure your Passport/Iqama, Exit/ Re-entry Visa, Istimara (registration), and License are valid.
- You will need border car insurance and vehicle authorisation (external) if the car isn’t under your name.
- Check if your current car insurance includes GCC coverage, so you’re covered for accidents outside Saudi Arabia.
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